Election: Expectations higher for Clinton

Re: “Clinton didn’t seem very presidential in debate” (letter, 4-16).

The writer states that Hillary Clinton was shrill, defiant and smug in the recent debate - in essence, not very ladylike.

We love Bernie Sanders for his passion and finger-pointing, but if Clinton raises her voice she is shrill. We love Sanders’ rumpled clothes and messy hair. If Clinton showed up a little rumpled or a hair out of place, she would be a slob.

I hear many people say Clinton shows no emotion. I think we can all list the names we call women when they get too emotional. How can we trust an emotional woman as president?

This election is showing us the underbelly of America. It is a mirror to the hate, divisiveness and blaming the “other” that streams through our country. Is this really who we are? I hope as Americans that we are grappling with this question.

Gender equality needs to be placed under the microscope also. We need to look at the double bind we place Clinton in as she dares to aspire to the highest office in the land.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 9:53 AM with the headline "Election: Expectations higher for Clinton."